Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream for Free in NYC thorugh July!

Well, this was just too good not to share. And we're thinking that perhaps we'll arrange a meeting with these guys on the Next Big Adventure on July 21st: Those lovable, dairy-loving Vermont Hippies/Ice Cream Moguls are dosing out Free Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream in random locales from now through late July all across NYC.

Every day, The Ben & Jerry Ice Cream truck (powered, no doubt, by hemp and used cooking oil) will be transversing the mean streets of The Big Apple to dish out the good stuff. This isn't just a shoddy one day affair. For a big Six Weeks beginning, appropriately enough, the day before the official start of summer and continuing through July 29th they'll be out there. 

Pinpoint their current location or propose a future visit through Twitter &Facebook . They are updating their Twitter Feed just about every hour with new locations here The Big Adventure's favorite flavor? White Chocolate Flannel Cake. OK, so we just made that up. That's not actually a flavor. 

More sweet, sweet info here: http://www.benjerry.com/flavors/feature/2011-truck-tour/nyc-scoop-truck/

The Big Adventure Recommends: Pulsd NYC

The Big Adventure Recommends: Pulsd NYC

Pulsd is a relatively new offering in the endless world of online NYC deals that’s core purpose seems to be to sift through the endless garbage of doings and loop you into quality last minute and free deals throughout New York City. Yes, Online Services like these are becoming more ubiquitous than the annoying phrase “Going Viral” recently, but this one is worth making a short list of must visits.

What makes ‘em stand out? In short, a higher-caliber list of events and offers, constant update of listings (more than 30 a day) and an easy-to-navigate site that doesn’t bombard you with duds of listing that are clearly paid for (and clearly no one wants).

A few listings on Pulsd. that caught our eye just this morning was Free Coffee at 7-11 till the end of the year, a legitimate Open Bar this evening in Midtown, and 30% off at Bloomingdale’s. Granted, some of the listings (lighting of the tree at Rockefeller center) is news to no one. And one downside is that some offers are list minute or too far in advance, but there are really some solid opportunities revealed for all to see.

In short, Pulsd is one of those sites you can bookmark and scan regularly for some (seemingly) great opportunities. Other similar services require a nominal fee or registration  but there appears to be nothing like that (for now) on Pulsd. And like any quality deal offering web service, there is a twitter feed because we all love that Twitter.Our only complaint is that the lack of an E in their name is really driving the grammerian in us crazy.

Bonus: A San Fran option for those on the left coast.

http://pulsd.com/new-york/

NYC November "Must Do" Event #2: Be part of a Live TV Studio Audience in NYC

The Big Adventure Presents NYC November "Must Do" Event #2: Attend a Live Television Taping in NYC

While watching the debut of Conan O’Brien’s new show last night and digging into the late night snacks, The Big Adventure starting counting all of the television shows that tape in New York City. People tend to forget that of all the unique, media oriented events that happen in the city the opportunity to see their favorite shows taped live is one of them. We know first hand what a fun experience it is ; something that we really recommend.

And here is the dirty secret: All of the tickets are free. The producers tend to need the audience more than the audience needs them. Letterman probably wouldn’t be the same without 500 cheering, laughing fans each night. Universally, all TV tapings are the price of e-mail and it is relatively easy to procure tickets. On the downside, most tapings are in the middle of the day during the week and you have to be at the studio about three times the length of the actual show.

Shows that tape in NYC include the iconic Saturday Night live, Live with Regis and Kelly, Martha Stuart, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Rachel Ray, The View, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Colbert Report,  and, of course, Late Night with David Letterman. Plus a NUMBER of different pilots, limited run, comedy specials and more. 

Getting tickets is relatively easy – as long as you manage your expectations.  Step 1, visit the website of the show you want to see. Some have tickets only four to six weeks in advance others take your request six months ahead of time. Shows tend to post tickets and tape at different times.  Each show does it a little bit differently. Step 2,  skip the big guns with hard to secure seats like SNL and Live with Regis. Instead opt for shows with big crowds that tape nightly like The Daily Show, Late Night and Letterman.  Step 3, get there early and show enthusiasm. They offer more tickets than they have seats and they tend to put the really excited folks in the front row to get on camera,

The best part? It’s a tie between realizing how different things are when you’re not watching on a 32” screen or DVRing the show and seeing if you can see yourself in the audience. 

Bonus: We know for a fact that Who Wants to be a Millionaire with Meredith Viera has open spaces for tickets throughout November.Plus, you can audition while you are there.Check it: http://www.dadt.com/millionaire/tickets/

Also, these sites will give you a solid overview of all shows…

http://www.nycgo.com/?event=view.traveltrade&id=80890

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/newyorkcity/0021021209.html